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Appearance changes often become an interesting theme in Korean dramas. Not only entertaining, but also conveying a deep message about self-confidence and self-acceptance. Many Korean dramas highlight the stories of characters who undergo physical and emotional transformations, making them inspiring to watch. TRUE BEAUTY is one of them.
TRUE BEAUTY which went viral during its airing in 2020, features a character who initially lacks self-confidence, then changes their appearance to gain social acceptance. However, as time goes by, they realize that the biggest change is not from the outside, but from within themselves.
However, TRUE BEAUTY, is not the only Korean drama that tells the story of appearance changes and successfully inspires viewers. If you enjoy stories about appearance changes with a touch of romance and comedy, here are five must-watch Korean dramas.
1. TRUE BEAUTY (2020)
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TRUE BEAUTY (credit: mydramalist)
A Korean drama about appearance transformation, TRUE BEAUTY tells the story of Lim Ju Kyung, a high school student who lacks confidence in her looks after being a victim of bullying at her old school. To avoid similar treatment, Ju Kyung learns to use makeup and successfully transforms her appearance. With her new look, she becomes an adored figure at her new school.
However, Ju Kyung's new appearance brings new challenges. The secret of her real face must be kept hidden, especially from people at her school. The only one who knows her secret is Lee Su Ho, a popular student who turns out to have a dark past. Their closeness develops into a romance filled with twists and turns.
In addition to romance, this drama also discusses how Ju Kyung faces social pressure and learns to accept herself. With a combination of comedy, drama, and an intriguing love triangle, TRUE BEAUTY has achieved high ratings and become a favorite among many viewers.
2. MY ID IS GANGNAM BEAUTY (2018)
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MY ID IS GANGNAM BEAUTY (credit: mydramalist)
Similar to TRUE BEAUTY, MY ID IS GANGNAM BEAUTY is also a Korean drama about appearance transformation. This drama tells the story of Kang Mi Rae, a college student who undergoes plastic surgery to change her appearance. Since childhood, Mi Rae has often been bullied for her face, which is considered unattractive. With her new look, she hopes to live her campus life with more confidence.
However, her hopes are not fully realized. Mi Rae ends up being nicknamed "Gangnam Beauty," referring to women with obvious plastic surgery results. This makes her continue to feel insecure and struggle to adjust to her social environment.
In the midst of her struggles, she meets Do Kyung Seok, a handsome student who turns out to be her childhood friend. Kyung Seok does not care about Mi Rae's appearance and instead helps her to accept herself. From their relationship, Mi Rae begins to understand that true beauty comes from self-confidence and self-acceptance.
3. SHE WAS PRETTY (2015)
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SHE WAS PRETTY (credit: mydramalist)
SHE WAS PRETTY (2015) tells the story of Kim Hye Jin, a woman who has undergone a drastic change in appearance since childhood. Once, she was a beautiful girl, while her childhood friend, Ji Sung Joon, was a chubby and shy boy. However, as they grew up, Sung Joon became a handsome and successful man, while Hye Jin experienced the opposite change.
When Sung Joon wants to meet again, Hye Jin feels insecure and asks her prettier friend to pretend to be her. The situation becomes more complicated when she unexpectedly works at the same company as Sung Joon, who is unaware that Hye Jin is his first love.
As time goes by, Sung Joon begins to see the sincerity and true personality of Hye Jin, not just her appearance. This drama teaches that self-confidence and a person's character are more important than just a pretty face.
4. OH MY VENUS (2015)
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OH MY VENUS (credit: mydramalist)
OH MY VENUS tells the story of Kang Joo Eun, a successful lawyer who was once known for her beauty and ideal body. However, as she ages and faces work pressures, she experiences weight gain that causes her to lose her confidence. Not only that, she also has to confront the bitter reality when her boyfriend cheats on her.
In her journey, Joo Eun meets Kim Young Ho, a famous fitness trainer also known as John Kim. After an incident on a plane that causes her to faint, Young Ho agrees to help Joo Eun change her lifestyle and regain her confidence.
During this process, their relationship evolves from just trainer and client to something deeper. OH MY VENUS teaches that physical change is not just about appearance, but also about health and self-confidence.
5. MASK GIRL (2023)
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MASK GIRL (credit: mydramalist)
MASK GIRL (2023) tells the story of Kim Mo Mi, an office worker who has dreamed of becoming famous like a celebrity since childhood. However, feeling insecure about her appearance, she lacks the confidence to perform in public. Eventually, she finds a way to stay in the entertainment world by becoming an online streamer using a mask.
Behind the scenes, Mo Mi becomes a popular figure admired by many. However, her life changes drastically when her true identity is revealed by her colleague, Joo Oh Nam, who also has feelings for her. The situation becomes even more complicated when they get caught up in an incident that changes their lives.
This Korean drama about appearance transformation not only raises issues of appearance change but also highlights social pressure and obsession with beauty standards. MASK GIRL provides a darker perspective on how society views beauty and self-identity.
These are some recommendations for Korean dramas about appearance transformation, one of which is TRUE BEAUTY. Find more interesting Korean drama recommendations at kapanlagi.com. If not now, when? KapanLagi?
(kpl/psp)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.